On the evening of Monday, the 8th of March 2021, at the Archdiocesan Chapel of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in London, the election of His Grace Bishop-elect Raphael of Ilion, was joyfully proclaimed.
In the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas, as well as other clergy of the Archdiocese, His Grace Bishop-elect Raphael of Ilion led the service of ‘the Great Proclamation,’ during which He read the document of acceptance and thanksgiving, with appreciation, following the Church’s decision and calling.
His Grace Bishop-elect was born on the island of Lesvos, on the 20th of September 1967. He studied Theology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, graduating in 1992. Following His undergraduate studies, He moved to Glasgow, Scotland, where He completed His PhD Thesis in the field of Ecclesiastical History.
He was ordained, by His Eminence, the late Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain, to the Diaconate on the 4th of April 2003 and soon after, to the priesthood, on the 6th April of the same year, at St Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church in Glasgow. On the 30th of September 2004 He was transferred to the Orthodox community of St Andrew the Apostle in Edinburgh, where he continues to serve to this day.
On the 16th of March 2021 He was unanimously elected, by the Holy and Great Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to the Episcopacy, following the recommendation of His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He was granted the title of the once-illustrious Diocese of Ilion, as an Assistant Bishop of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain.
His Grace’s ordination will take place on the 9th of March 2021, at the church of St Panteleimon and St Paraskevi in Harrow, North-West London.
